Lenovo Unveils Purpose-Built AI Inferencing Servers at CES 2026 to Power Real-Time Enterprise AI

At Tech World @ CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Lenovo announced a new portfolio of purpose-built AI inferencing servers, solutions, and services designed to help enterprises unlock real-time AI decision-making at scale. The announcement marks a significant step forward as organizations move beyond training large language models (LLMs) toward deploying fully trained AI models that deliver immediate business value.

Lenovo’s latest AI inferencing portfolio is built to support workloads across cloud, data center, and edge environments. This flexible approach ensures that AI runs where it creates the most impact—whether that’s in centralized data centers, distributed cloud platforms, or latency-sensitive edge locations. By addressing the entire AI deployment lifecycle, Lenovo enables enterprises to operationalize AI faster and more efficiently.

At the core of the portfolio is the new Lenovo ThinkSystem SR675i, engineered for the largest and most complex AI workloads. Designed to support full-scale LLM inferencing, the SR675i targets high-demand industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services, where real-time insights and automation are critical. Complementing this is the Lenovo ThinkSystem SR650i, which delivers high-density GPU compute optimized for accelerated AI inferencing while remaining easy to deploy within existing data center environments.

For edge use cases, Lenovo introduced the ThinkEdge SE455i, enabling ultra-low-latency AI inferencing closer to where data is generated. Built for compact, rugged, and temperature-flexible deployments, the SE455i is ideal for retail, telecommunications, and industrial applications that require immediate AI-driven decisions.

To address energy efficiency challenges in high-performance AI environments, Lenovo integrates advanced air and liquid cooling technologies through Lenovo Neptune. This innovation helps reduce power consumption while maintaining performance at scale. Additionally, Lenovo TruScale provides flexible, usage-based consumption models, allowing enterprises to adopt AI infrastructure while maintaining budget control and operational agility.

These new inferencing servers form the foundation of the Lenovo Hybrid AI Factory, a modular and validated framework for building and operating enterprise-grade AI solutions. Lenovo further strengthened this offering by introducing pre-validated hybrid AI inferencing platforms with Nutanix, Red Hat, and Canonical, ensuring scalable, secure, and cost-effective deployments.

To accelerate adoption, Lenovo also launched Hybrid AI Factory Services, offering advisory, deployment, and managed services. Real-world impact was highlighted through immersive content creation at the Sphere in Las Vegas, showcasing how Lenovo’s AI infrastructure powers next-generation experiences.

With this comprehensive AI inferencing portfolio, Lenovo positions itself at the forefront of real-time enterprise AI innovation.

How PLDT and Smart Are Using Everyday Technology to Support Persons with Disabilities

Technology like AI or artificial intelligence delivers its greatest impact when it uplifts not just the many, but especially the most disadvantaged, giving persons with disabilities greater access, dignity, and opportunity. This drives PLDT and Smart to use AI and widely available mobile applications to support persons with disabilities in schools or in the community.

Under the IDEATe (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Advocacy through Technology) program, the PLDT Group works with ATRIEV (Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired) to offer AI for Accessibility, Android Accessibility Training, and Digital Business Basics Training courses. Last year, PLDT and Smart trained a total of 300 people with disabilities on various digital tools to enable their participation in the digital economy.

“Technology can help level the playing field for people who face barriers to education and employment,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart. “By focusing on practical digital skills, we’re helping persons with disabilities engage more confidently in a digitally connected society.”

AI: All Included

The AI for Accessibility course uses AI-powered applications to make learning more inclusive and accessible for children with disabilities. Initially rolled out for Special Needs Education (SNED) teachers, with support from the Department of Education schools divisions of Makati, Taguig, and Pateros, the course provides hands-on training on generative AI tools, assistive mobile applications for the visually impaired, and speech-to-text and text-to-speech technologies. PLDT and Smart also offered the training to advocates from like-minded organizations.

Open for Business, Open for All

Beyond the classroom, PLDT and Smart also support livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities and their families. Through the Digital Business Basics Training, participants learn how to start and manage small businesses, use design tools to craft posters and other marketing collaterals, and apply basic principles of costing, pricing, and online selling. The PLDT Group later on organized workshops for graduates that helped them form a vendors association, enabling them to collaborate and expand their market reach. It also invited beneficiaries to PLDT and Smart’s bazaars at the Group’s headquarters to further boost their income.

PLDT and Smart also offered skills training on social media marketing, bookkeeping, and general virtual assistance to 30 women with disabilities and carers of persons with disabilities to allow them to offer office support services remotely.

Learning the Basics

PLDT and Smart also champion the use of everyday technology for inclusion. With smartphones already widely used in the Philippines, the PLDT Group worked with ATRIEV to help persons with visual impairment turn their mobile phones into assistive devices through the Android Accessibility Training. The program covers basic operations and introduction to screen readers, angle gestures and other essential applications. In 2025, with support from NORFIL Foundation and the DepEd Schools Division Office of Manila, the course was expanded to accommodate students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual Disability (ID), and other neurodevelopmental conditions by incorporating interactive reading applications and gamified math programs to build academic and functional digital skills. The program also introduced participants to communication tools designed for users with sensory or learning disabilities through built-in real-time feedback and visual cues.

Creating safe spaces

PLDT and Smart go beyond rhetoric by translating their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion into concrete action. In the previous year, more than a thousand employees completed disability sensitivity workshops, including immersive activities that simulate the everyday challenges faced by persons with disabilities—strengthening awareness and fostering a more inclusive workplace culture. As DEI champions, they also shared the initiative with partner universities and organizations.

Through IDEATe, the PLDT Group reaffirms its mission to uplift the lives of persons in challenging circumstances and to support the country’s pursuit of UNSDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, and UNSDG 10 on Reduced Inequalities.

PLDT and Smart Deploy New Technologies, Strengthen Partnerships to Boost Connectivity in GIDAs

Connecting an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands requires multiple solutions to ensure that the benefits of faster, more reliable, and more affordable internet can reach more Filipinos, enabling hybrid work set-ups, online learning, and the delivery of e-government and e-healthcare services in remote and far-flung areas.

To achieve this, leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc (PLDT) and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc (Smart) continued to invest in network infrastructure and innovative technologies, as well as tightened their collaboration with government and industry stakeholders to overcome the challenges of connecting remote and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

"Our mission is simple: to deliver better internet that costs less and reaches more Filipinos, especially those in far-flung areas. By working hand-in-hand with our partners in government, we believe we can roll out a stronger, more resilient network faster and more efficiently," said Menardo G. Jimenez, PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Network Head and PLDT representative to the Presidential Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC).

Last year, PLDT and Smart explored innovative connectivity solutions to overcome deployment challenges in hard-to-reach locations. PLDT tested Radisys point-to-multipoint broadband wireless access technology, which delivers fiber-like speeds over-the-air through a single base node connecting to remote radio nodes in customer premises. The company also piloted Google’s Taara laser communication technology, delivering fiber-like speeds using beams of light instead of undersea or underground cables, to sites like Talim Island in Rizal, Dipaluda in Isabela and Bagong Pag-asa in Quezon City. Smart has also partnered with Lynk Global to enable direct-to-device satellite-powered mobile connectivity, allowing users to send SMS and use apps like WhatsApp even when cell services are unavailable.

Collaboration is key

Aside from leveraging these technologies, PLDT and Smart also worked closely with government agencies, local government units, and PSAC to streamline permitting processes, remove bottlenecks in network builds, and fast-track network rollouts, ensuring that connectivity reaches communities that need it most.

Boosting their public and private collaborations to ultimately benefit millions of Filipinos who depend on strong, stable connections for work, learning, and safety, PLDT and Smart have further solidified their partnership with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), National Electrification Administration (NEA), tower companies, and other industry stakeholders, and continued to lead discussions highlighting Executive Order No. 32 and other regulatory policies aimed at accelerating network deployment and improving digital access nationwide.

With PSAC and other major fixed-line telcos, PLDT is also boosting connectivity for state universities and colleges in support of the government's efforts to enhance the delivery of education across the country and is in coordination with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Under "Konektadong CHED", PLDT envisions to expand connectivity to 220 SUCs by the first quarter this year, with the goal of reaching all 555 SUCs nationwide, benefiting between 5,000 to 10,000 learners and teachers per institution.

Smart is also supporting the government's Bayanihan SIM initiative, which aims to bring mobile data connectivity to GIDAs. Under this DICT-led program, Smart is providing free TNT SIM cards pre-loaded with 25GB of data per month for 12 months, fully subsidized by the government, beneficiaries identified by the Department of Education. The initial waves of distribution were successfully held in June last year in Masinloc, Zambales province at Bani National High School – Coto Annex, Coto Elementary School, and Mandaloy Elementary School, and in December at Unidos Elementary School in Nabas, Aklan.

PLDT’s investments in innovating to enhance its network are aligned with the Group's broader thrust to deliver leveled-up services to customers nationwide. It also supports PLDT and Smart's commitment to national development through strategic partnerships that expand digital access and enhance the delivery of essential services, such as education. This also contributes to the PLDT Group’s endeavors to help the country achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) including SDG 4 - Quality Education, SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities.

SHDA Inducts 2026 Officers, Sets Forward-Looking Agenda to Support National Housing Goals

Manila, Philippines — The Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) officially inducted its 2026 new set of officers, marking the start of a year focused on supporting member developers and advancing the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development’s (DHSUD) beneficiary-centric housing program to help address the country’s housing backlog.

The new leadership team, led by Chairman Engr. Francis Richmond Z. Villegas and National President Kerwin V. Padua take office as the housing sector moves into the implementation phase of key policy reforms introduced in late 2025 under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) program, which now includes horizontal developments.

Recently, DSHUD, together with the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), released the adjustment of the socialized housing price ceiling under Joint Memorandum Circular 2025-001, along with the corresponding Implementing Rules and Regulations. The new ceilings are set at a maximum of P950,000 for horizontal or subdivision-type projects and P1,800,000 for vertical or condominium units with a minimum floor area of 27 square meters.

The oath-taking ceremony was led by DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling, with senior DHSUD officials in attendance. The event also featured briefings on national housing priorities for 2026, including expanded housing options, faster project approvals, and continued engagement with private developers.

SHDA is committed to guiding its members in navigating these new guidelines, aiming to provide support on compliance, project planning, and efficient delivery, said SHDA Chairman Engr. Villegas. “With the implementation of revised policies, private-sector developers are expected to deliver around 250,000 housing units this year alone. Through briefings and knowledge-sharing, we aim to strengthen members’ capacity to plan and implement projects that align with government policies and meet the needs of Filipino families.”

SHDA’s 2026 agenda also focuses on advancing policy coordination and supporting the delivery of quality and affordable housing aligned with government targets under 4PH. Given this, SHDA continues to strengthen private-sector participation to help address financing, project viability, and implementation issues affecting housing projects nationwide.
In line with these efforts, SHDA will host its annual Golf Cup on March 26, 2026, at the Wack-Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong City. Now in its 4th edition, the event will bring together member developers, affiliate members, and other allied stakeholders from the government and private sectors for a fun and engaging opportunity of networking and collaboration in the spirit of golf. Additionally, a study tour for SHDA members in select Asian countries is underway. Countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia have been identified as potential venues to benchmark best practices, explore innovative housing and urban development solutions, and identify strategies to enhance local shelter construction and delivery in their respective housing projects.

“Through these programs, we are helping members translate government policies into tangible housing outputs,” said SHDA National President Padua. “By fostering innovation, improving project planning, and encouraging knowledge exchange, we aim to help our members navigate the evolving housing landscape.”

Joining Villegas and Padua on SHDA’s Board of Governors for 2026, who also serve as the association’s officers, are Atty. Marianne Reyna L. Cruz as 1st Vice President, Mr. Arnold Leigh Ryan Choa as 2nd Vice President, Atty. Mena R. Ojeda Jr. as Corporate Secretary, Ms. Clarissa De Joya as Assistant Corporate Secretary, Mr. Tommy T. Tantoco as National Treasurer, Ms. Jasmin Paz Trinidad as Auditor, and Ms. Regina Hahn Siy as Chief Marketing Officer.

Completing the Board of Governors are Mr. Edward Bernas, Arch. Leonardo B. Dayao Jr., Mr. Anthony Noel, Mr. Joel C. Punzalan, Ms. Renelyn Tan-Castillejos, and Mr. Cesar Lee Hiong L. Wee Jr.

SHDA’s Regional Chapter Heads for 2026 are Mr. Dennis R. Leveriza Jr. for South Luzon, Mr. John Paul T. Dy for Central Luzon, Mr. Harold Vince Y. See for Central Visayas, and MGen. Rufo A. De Veyra for Eastern Visayas, Mr. Steven Brian L. Jison for Negros, Mr. Eon C. Tiu for Panay, Engr. Kenneth Y. Yap for Southern Mindanao, and Mr. Voltaire Antonio M. Flores for Northern Mindanao.

Continuing as Board Advisers are Ms. Armenia C. Ballesteros, Mr. Ricky M. Celis, Mr. Bansan C. Choa, Mr. Guillermo C. Choa, Mr. Raphael B. Felix, Ms. Arlene C. Keh, Mr. Jeffrey T. Ng, Mr. Mariano D. Martinez, Ms. May P. Rodriguez, Mr. George T. Siy, and Ms. Rosie S. Tsai.

As the country’s leading organization of housing developers engaged in horizontal and vertical housing production, SHDA continues to work with its members alongside government agencies and industry partners to deliver inclusive, sustainable, and resilient communities nationwide. Developers and housing stakeholders are welcome to join SHDA’s membership program to support policy coordination and industry collaboration. More information is available at https://shda.ph/become-a-member/ or via the SHDA Secretariat at shda.secretariat@gmail.com.

Eastern Communications Leads PH Market as a Cisco Preferred Networking Partner Under Cisco 360 Partner Program Framework

Eastern Communications has been officially recognized by Cisco as a Cisco Preferred Networking Partner, placing the Philippines’ pioneer telecommunications and ICT solutions provider among the first in the Philippines to earn the designation ahead of the global rollout of the Cisco 360 Partner Program in January 2026. The designation is given to partners that demonstrate advanced technical capability, strong lifecycle practices, and deep customer engagement. This recognition marks a strategic milestone for Eastern Communications as it strengthens its role in the country’s rapidly evolving, AI-enabled digital economy.

The Cisco 360 Partner Program, considered the company’s most significant partner transformation in 25 years, introduces new specializations, incentives, and bonuses that place greater weight on value delivery and specialized expertise.

With the needs of customers evolving in the AI era, the program’s evolution connects partner success to how they meet customer needs and ambitions, rewarding partners for driving profitable growth through lifecycle value creation, managed services, software adoption, and renewals. Cisco partners that have achieved advanced technical expertise, invested deeply in customer engagement, and built foundational practices are designated as Cisco Preferred Partners.

“On behalf of Eastern, we are incredibly proud of our entire team's relentless drive for innovation. This recognition and new designation as Cisco’s Preferred Networking Partner signifies a validation of the quality and strategic relevance of our product roadmap, positioning us to deliver even more advanced, high-impact solutions to our customers,” said Edsel Paglinawan, Eastern Communications Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer.

By achieving this distinction ahead of the formal rollout, Eastern Communications signals that it is not only prepared for the next era of enterprise technology but is already operating in it.

Strengthened capabilities, long-standing collaboration

Eastern Communications’ early elevation is an outcome of its continuous investment in its technical workforce, lifecycle service maturity, and innovation-led solutions across cybersecurity, cloud, networking, and managed connectivity. For customers, this means faster deployment, stronger security outcomes, and more consistent end-to-end service delivery supported by deeper access to Cisco expertise and AI-ready architectures. These efforts have also shaped its long-standing relationship with Cisco, which began in 2020 and has since yielded industry recognition such as Top Small Business Partner of the Year (2021) and Breakthrough Partner of the Year (2024).

Beyond commercial success, Eastern Communications, in its role as a Cisco Partner, has supported the local business community through Eastern Communications’ thought leadership program — Access Eastern — which equips organizations with insights to navigate digital transformation, AI integration, and security challenges.

Raising the bar as businesses adopt AI

As enterprises accelerate their shift toward AI-enabled operations, the Cisco 360 Partner Program emphasizes partners capable of delivering bundled, high-impact solutions that match emerging customer needs. Eastern Communications’ Preferred Networking Partner status affirms its ability to support organizations through these shifts, both with advanced technical skill and a service philosophy rooted in “High Tech” and “High Touch.”

The recognition directly supports Eastern Communications’ 2025 commitment to exceeding expectations, reinforcing its direction to offer secure, future-proof solutions while maintaining the personalized support that sets it apart in the industry.

With more than 145 years of service, the telco provider continues to expand its role as a trusted technology partner for businesses nationwide as it empowers organizations with the expertise, infrastructure, and guidance needed to thrive in a fast-changing digital landscape.

To learn more about Eastern Communications’ solutions, contact 5300-7000 or visit www.eastern.com.ph.